The Quebec quantum ecosystem is paving the way for global leadership.

Montreal, November 11, 2025. – Quebec is taking a new step towards developing a strong quantum industry. More than a hundred leaders from the scientific, industrial, technological, and financial sectors gathered at Fasken in Montreal for the unveiling of "Quantum at the Forefront," a major study on the strategic levers to activate in order to transform Quebec's scientific advance into sustainable industrial leadership.

Conducted by Volume10 for Distriq, the Quantum Innovation Zone of Sherbrooke, and seven institutional and economic partners, this study proposes a roadmap to build a competitive industry on a global scale, based on four key levers: mobilizing talent, patient financing, structuring industrial partnerships, and international commercialization.

Quantum: A Technological Revolution Already Underway

Quantum technologies exploit the fundamental properties of quantum physics to push the boundaries of computation, communications, and detection. Far from being a distant promise, this revolution is already in motion: the global market could reach 173 billion US dollars by 2040.

Quebec, which hosts more than a third of Canada’s startups in this sector and 25% of graduates trained in relevant fields, has a world-class scientific base, forged by over forty years of pioneering research. While the core of expertise is located in Sherbrooke, with the Quantum Innovation Zone and an internationally significant university hub, the ecosystem also extends to Montreal, Quebec City, and several other regions, where complementary initiatives in research, entrepreneurship, and industrialization are unfolding.

Thanks to its resonance and partnerships across Canada, Quebec now plays a leading role in structuring a national quantum industry capable of combining scientific excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable economic returns.

A Dialogue Between Science, Industry, and Public Policy

The event, held at Fasken's Montreal offices, brought together several leading figures: Eric Girard, Quebec's Minister of Finance, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Mayor of Sherbrooke, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal, Pierre Cossette, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Distriq, and Michel Pioro-Ladrière, General Director of Distriq; Alexandre Blais (University of Sherbrooke), Dominic Marchand (1QBit), Dave Rhéaume (Hydro-Québec), Stéphanie Doyle (Montreal InVivo), and Jean-Pierre Perreault, Rector of the University of Sherbrooke. The discussions were led by Volume10, which developed the "Quantum at the Forefront" study.

The exchanges highlighted the need for better alignment between public research, patient capital, and industrial leadership, a crucial condition for Quebec's competitiveness on the global stage.

Quantum: A New Industrial Frontier for Quebec

The "Quantum at the Forefront" study is part of a broader effort to position Quebec as a global leader in quantum technologies.

It proposes a clear roadmap: strengthen synergies between universities and businesses, support investments in deep tech innovation, and make Quebec a territory for experimentation and demonstration for quantum applications.

The "Quantum at the Forefront" study was made possible thanks to financial support from the Quebec Electrical Industry Association (AIEQ), the National Institute of Optics (INO), Investissement Québec, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), PINQ² – Quantum and Digital Innovation Platform, Prima Québec – Research and Innovation Center in Advanced Materials of Quebec, and Prompt.

Quotes

"The development of quantum in Quebec relies on our ability to collaborate among researchers, entrepreneurs, major clients, and investors. It is by betting on this cohesion that we can transform scientific excellence into concrete economic growth. It is in this spirit that our government has established innovation zones. They enable the integration of knowledge, industry, and talent in internationally recognized territories." - Eric Girard, Minister of Finance

"The development of quantum concerns science, but also the vitality of our territories! In Sherbrooke, we already see how the Quantum Innovation Zone will strengthen our socioeconomic performance and create lasting benefits for the entire region." - Marie-Claude Bibeau, Mayor of Sherbrooke

"The knowledge economy, world-class talent, and collaboration between cities are at the heart of Quebec's competitiveness. Montreal and Sherbrooke share the same ambition: to make Quebec a leader in scientific and industrial innovation." - Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal

"Quebec has built globally recognized scientific expertise in quantum. The next step is to transform this advantage into a complete industrial sector, rooted in our territories and competitive on a global scale." - Michel Pioro-Ladrière, General Director of Distriq

"In preparing this study, our team traveled the world to understand how major ecosystems are structured around quantum. What is happening in Sherbrooke is already attracting the attention of the greatest international experts. Quebec has a real advantage: it now needs to transform it into a sustainable economic driver." - Félix-Antoine Joli-Cœur, Founder and President of Volume10

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To consult the complete study: volume10.com/intelligence

To receive a printed copy: info@volume10.com

About Distriq, the Quantum Innovation Zone of Sherbrooke

Distriq mobilizes research, industry, and entrepreneurship to build a complete quantum sector in Quebec. Its role is to accelerate the transformation of knowledge into economic and societal value by supporting partnerships and the creation of quantum-based businesses.

About Volume10

Volume10 is an executive consulting firm in strategy and transformation. Founded in Montreal, it assists leaders of public and private organizations in the design and implementation of high-value strategic projects at the intersection of science, innovation, and the economy.

Source: Distriq, the Quantum Innovation Zone of Sherbrooke, and Volume10

For more information: Arianne Boulais, Volume10, 514 622-7667